Apr 22 2024
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
3.5 *
3
Apr 23 2024
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
3*
3
Apr 24 2024
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
3.5*
3
Apr 25 2024
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
3.5*
3
Apr 26 2024
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British Steel
Judas Priest
Of it's time, clearly influential but now very dated. Sounds like iron maiden, which is a bad thing. 2*
2
Apr 29 2024
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Impressive technically, overly long
3*
3
Apr 30 2024
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
One of the few nu metal albums that isn't an embarrassment 3*
3
May 01 2024
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Remedy
Basement Jaxx
Never noticed how many annoying samples and instruments Basement Jaxx used until now 2*
2
May 02 2024
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White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
Has continued to confirm to me that anyone who claims a Velvet Underground album as their favourite is the worst kind of tedious "arty" bore. Unlistenable for the most part, this noisy rock sound has been done 1,000 times better since 1*
1
May 03 2024
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Atmospheric and accomplished. Quality. 4*
4
May 06 2024
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Just a little more variety and this would be an utter classic, regardless a great album 4*
4
May 07 2024
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
Great music by great musicians. 4*
4
May 08 2024
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Dust
Screaming Trees
Mark Langean is a great singer, but the material is very ordinary. Strange why this was included. 2.5*
3
May 09 2024
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Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
I could see how someone would like this, loud and intense but not for me 2*
2
May 10 2024
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
Made writing a hit song look easy on some of these. Some songs are so-so though 3*
3
May 13 2024
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
I'm neither a teen or angsty, so it doesn't appeal to me that much but I see why people enjoy it. 3*
3
May 14 2024
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
After 1,000 tepid copycats since its release still one of the best singer/songwriter albums out there. 4.5*
4
May 15 2024
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Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
Meh 2.5*
3
May 16 2024
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Savane
Ali Farka Touré
Can see it having its fans but just not for me 2.5*
2
May 17 2024
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Fromohio
fIREHOSE
Appreciate what they are trying here, but doesn't land quite right for me 2.5*
2
May 20 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Indicative of better things to come 3*
3
May 21 2024
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Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
Tough to hate this, strong funk influences with a Brasilian flavour. great sound 4*
4
May 22 2024
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Doesn't feel like it does Sam Cooke justice. Lot of chatter, intros, and then the actual song content is quite brief. Shame, it's great what is little there is. 3*
3
May 23 2024
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Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
If this wasn't Bob Dylan would anyone care about this album? It's put together fine but very hard to get excited about this. The rave reviews are baffling to me. 2.5*
3
May 24 2024
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Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
The music hall influences I could leave, I don't get the fascination with it, but the rest is great. 3.5*
3
May 27 2024
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Seems like every song on this could have been a single. Might get a bit of hate for being so overplayed but still a classic 5*
5
May 28 2024
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London Calling
The Clash
Not as a perfect as an album as is typically made out, one or two duds I reckon. But still, some absolute classics there as well, quality. 4.5*
5
May 29 2024
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Dry
PJ Harvey
Sounds quintessentially PJ Harvey, although her posh accent is quite jarring against the loud guitars sometimes! Still very good, worth a relisten 5*
5
May 30 2024
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American Gothic
David Ackles
Like hearing songs from various different bang average musicals jammed together. There is a reason some albums are obscure, tedious. 2*
2
May 31 2024
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Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Can really hear the influence on bob Dylan. Woody Guthrie did it better but still solid 3.5*
3
Jun 03 2024
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Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
Impossible to say anything more 5*
5
Jun 04 2024
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Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
It's the smiths, never could get into them. Some decent singles but was never bothered by the albums. 2.5*
3
Jun 05 2024
View Album
Space Ritual
Hawkwind
Long, so long. There was a visual performance to go along with this, maybe it worked better in an actual live context. Endless guitar and effects noodling is tough to enjoy without being on drugs. 1.5*
2
Jun 06 2024
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Abraxas
Santana
It's good but I think Santana has retroactively made this sound dated by just rehashing this sound over and over again through the years with little interpretation. 3.5*
3
Jun 07 2024
View Album
Come Find Yourself
Fun Lovin' Criminals
Crazy to go back and read contemporary reviews of this. 90s was crazy for genre mash ups and this is a great example of some of the rubbish put out. Lyrically, it is relentlessly cringe faux gangster rubbish. The music is somewhere between
Muzak and throw away chill house samples. Scooby Snacks is fun I suppose, rest is crap. 1.5* Also, free John Gotti?!
1
Jun 10 2024
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Homework
Daft Punk
Strange choice over discovery in my opinion but amazing all the same. Still sounds completely fresh 4.5*
4
Jun 11 2024
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The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Hard to fault this. 5*
5
Jun 12 2024
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Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
Dreamy 60s throwbacks, nice but forgettable 3*
3
Jun 13 2024
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I feel like there is something of emperors new clothes about Nick Cave. You would look foolish to dislike him. But I can't get past the overwrought lyrics and spoken word like delivery. The music is fantastic though. I would listen to an instrumental version of this no problem and it somewhat saves it. 3*
3
Jun 14 2024
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Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2nd Nick Cave album in a row, what are the odds? Quite high I believe, in any case like the other the musicianship here is great but I just can't get past Nick Cave's singing and wordy lyrics, just too much. 3*
3
Jun 17 2024
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
80s synths, if that sounds good to you then this is a classic. Otherwise 3*
3
Jun 18 2024
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
Like songs from a musical, not for me but I can see others enjoying it 3*.
3
Jun 19 2024
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I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Sublime soul songs, didn't expect anything else. 4.5*
4
Jun 20 2024
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Feels more like a soul instrumental album, but very well put together, but I feel could have been trimmed to something very tight 3.5*
3
Jun 21 2024
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Shadowland
k.d. lang
The sort of album you think is there anyone out there who actually super into this? Not bad but very tepid stuff 2.5*
2
Jun 24 2024
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Hunky Dory
David Bowie
A classic for good reason, a little overlooked sometimes for bigger hits. Let down a little by one or two duds, the bob Dylan song in particular 4*
4
Jun 25 2024
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Indie singer/songwriter who launched 1,000 imitators. Still holds up well, but not a sound I'd go for. 3.5*
3
Jun 26 2024
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Dirty
Sonic Youth
Could well be the best band name ever. Album is good, would encourage checking out others 3.5*
3
Jun 27 2024
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Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
If anyone ever asks what the 90s was like just play them this. 3.5*
3
Jun 28 2024
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Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
Terrible stuff really, why is there so much talking!? It's crazy someone decided that was a good idea. They recorded it, listened back to it and said "yeah, love it leave it all on the album". So fucking annoying. Why is this on this list?! 1.5*
1
Jul 01 2024
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Solid outlaw rock 4*
4
Jul 02 2024
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The Clash
The Clash
Fairly standard punk rock, much better was to come 3*
3
Jul 03 2024
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New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
Awful stuff, England has a real cottage industry of crap like this 1*
1
Jul 04 2024
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The Sensual World
Kate Bush
Although the singing is of typically high quality the material is just aimless and meandering. Let's the whole thing down and there is better out there. 2.5*
2
Jul 05 2024
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Live Through This
Hole
Better than Courtney Loves reputation would have you believe, seems obscured from her very public persona that this is actually decent 3.5*
3
Jul 08 2024
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
Quality as expected 4*
4
Jul 09 2024
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American Idiot
Green Day
It certainly has a pop charm, dated somewhat now I feel. If you like Green Day then this is one of the better ones otherwise 3*
3
Jul 10 2024
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Like Water For Chocolate
Common
A decent sound but all sounds very similar and blends into one. OK 3*
3
Jul 11 2024
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Face to Face
The Kinks
Perfectly fine 60s pop rock by why listen to this when there is far more interesting stuff out there from this time period. Sunny Afternoon is an utter classic though 3.5*
3
Jul 12 2024
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Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
There always seems to some aversion to hooks or chorus with Peter Gabriel. Hearing a full album like this does get a bit tiresome. Style wise it's a bit everywhere, feels like he is trying to string together a lot of ideas, sometimes a bit jarring. But it is at the very least well sung and performed. 3*
3
Jul 15 2024
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Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Laid back sound, demonstrates bob Marley's range well. But does blend a bit into one. 3.5*
3
Jul 16 2024
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Tommy
The Who
Self indulgent really, do people really enjoy listening to this the whole way through? 2*
2
Jul 17 2024
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There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
Great instrumentation but some songs overstay their welcome a bit.
3
Jul 18 2024
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Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
A bit everywhere in terms of sound but couldn't get into this 2.5*
2
Jul 19 2024
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Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Reading the description of bands like this always sounds interesting and then it's always 80s synths with droning English singing. So many bands sound like this, what was going on in the 80s?! Tedious for the most part 2*
2
Jul 22 2024
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Classic Neil young 4*
4
Jul 23 2024
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
An example of a album is so well put together its better than the sum of its parts.
Fantastic 5*
5
Jul 24 2024
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Vulnicura
Björk
Very much in the Björk mode, tendency to blend into one, although I wonder if that's intentional. Well put together in any case 3.5*
3
Jul 25 2024
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
This is good, and can see what it's important but there is other seminal jazz albums out that that I enjoy more. Still great 4*
4
Jul 26 2024
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S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
Unfortunately for these guys the who, the Beatles, mc5 and a lot of others where contemporaries of theirs, they were never going to out do them. The white album was released the month before as an example! Solid all the same 3.5*
3
Jul 29 2024
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
Classic stuff, barely a miss here 5*
5
Jul 30 2024
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Young Americans
David Bowie
Good, but better bowie albums out there 3*
3
Jul 31 2024
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Boring prog rock, can't understand the fascination with this 2*
2
Aug 01 2024
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The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
What everyone with a synth was trying and failing to do in the 80s. Shows electronic instruments could have depth and melody 4*
4
Aug 02 2024
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Butterfly
Mariah Carey
Fairly bog standard 90s r&b asides from superfans don't think anyone is still listening to this. Totally inoffensive stuff 2*
2
Aug 05 2024
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Brought a whole new sound, would be developed massively from this though 3.5*
3
Aug 06 2024
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Really captures the live atmosphere of a great blues gig by one of the legends of the genre 4*
4
Aug 07 2024
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Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
Charming narrative driven country. Interesting to hear an alternative to in the pines compared to the famous Nirvana version 3.5*
3
Aug 08 2024
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So Much For The City
The Thrills
Fairly tepid 60s throwback. Another album to ponder why is it on this list? 2.5*
2
Aug 09 2024
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Konnichiwa
Skepta
Not something I would enjoy repeatedly but definitely see the appeal 3.5*
3
Aug 12 2024
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
A bit meandering in parts but still very good, some classics here of course 3.5*
3
Aug 13 2024
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Kid A
Radiohead
A few songs go a bit nowhere but then there is some absolutely classics here too. 4.5*
4
Aug 14 2024
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461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
Fairly tepid blues rock, makes you wonder what was the point of putting this out? The less said about the woeful Bob Marley cover the better. 2*
2
Aug 15 2024
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Was expecting to like this a lot more, not particularly wrong here but nothing to get excited about either 3*
3
Aug 16 2024
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Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
Prog rock noodling for the most part, I just find this genre of music hard to like. The production is crisp though, shame about the musical content. 2*
2
Aug 19 2024
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Have a preference for Ride the lightning personally. it's does drag on a little on songs. It is however still a classic album, the vast majority of metal bands could only dream of creating this. 4.5*
4
Aug 20 2024
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
I can't decide whether this is good or not. They have a style of their own, can see people being super into this but not one id revisit. 3*
3
Aug 21 2024
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Folsom prison is better and this was all too brief, shame although what is there is excellent 4*
4
Aug 22 2024
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Feast of Wire
Calexico
The sort of thing you would hope the album generator would highlight. A mix of country/alt rock/ jazz and everything else. It's well put together. Horrendous album cover but not that it matters... 4*
4
Aug 23 2024
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Your Arsenal
Morrissey
Not nearly as bad as I expecting, but does highlight how much Johnny Marr brought to the smiths. 3*
3
Aug 26 2024
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
I predict sometime in the future there will be a fairly dramatic revision by critics of how many "classic" albums were released in 60s and 70s when rock was in its infancy. People will come to realize that it just happened to be released at the time and is not that good. This album will be first in the firing squad. Boring blues rock numbers with one or two good songs. 2.5*
2
Aug 27 2024
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The Cars
The Cars
I find the synths and what not of nu-wave hard to get into but this was actually really good. 4*
4
Aug 28 2024
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Groovin'
The Young Rascals
Some decent singles mixed with fairly pedestrian blue eyed soul. Groovin' is an amazing song all the same. 3.5*
3
Aug 29 2024
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All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
Sort of what you would expect from Slipknot I'm sure if your in to this type of thing it's enjoyable 3*
3
Aug 30 2024
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Born To Be With You
Dion
I think any decent artist should reflect on why they are presenting their art to the public and think "what am I adding to the medium"? Because of Dion or Phil Spector did they would have not released this boring overproduced shite on the world. Awful 1*
1
Sep 02 2024
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Quality jazz, well put together 5*
5
Sep 03 2024
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
5* obviously, but the one thing this album does, which is great, is that it shows country music can have all the urgency and passion of any other genre. Sometimes I feel country music is thought of something dower or downbeat and this is certainly not.
5
Sep 04 2024
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Traffic
Traffic
All the worst instincts of 60s rock captured in one album. Tedious 1.5*
1
Sep 05 2024
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Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
If I was in a bar a few beers deep I could enjoy this. But if you are going to do any album that so closely sticks to one genre, ie southern rock, you can't afford to do such a long album. It gets stale. 2*
2
Sep 06 2024
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
Appreciate the importance of this album but it's not one I can get into, although I would not argue it's bad. 3.5*
3
Sep 09 2024
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
I do really like this album be it has a few too many dud moments to make it a full five stars, but great nonetheless 4.5*
4
Sep 10 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
I really don't like the first two songs on this but the rest is great, so that lets it down slightly but I reckon this is his best album. 4.5*
4
Sep 11 2024
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Tapestry
Carole King
Hard to imagine so many massive hit songs on one album 5*
5
Sep 12 2024
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Would be need to be a certain mood from this but still excellent 5*
5
Sep 13 2024
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I Against I
Bad Brains
The importance of this band is understandable but the material is ultimately a bit weak, shame feel like there on the cusp of a good album here 2*
2
Sep 16 2024
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Enjoyable bombastic jazz, I presume this is what the cover hints at! 4*
4
Sep 17 2024
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
The temptations have some classic songs but they are not on this album. The marvin Gaye cover has been done a lot and to be honest it's just...fine. nothing amazing here to be honest but was an enjoyable listen 3*
3
Sep 18 2024
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Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
The music itself is fairly well done but it can't get past the woeful lyrics. They really have dated badly, the misogyny seems excessive even for the time. Milky cereal may be the worst rap song ever created. 2*
2
Sep 19 2024
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The Coral
The Coral
A real mixed bag of genres, sounds like they are having fun but really lacks consistency. 2.5*
2
Sep 20 2024
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Car Wheels On A Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams
Baffling choice for this list, nothing at all remarkable about this. Singing in a very affected voice does grate after a while 2*
2
Sep 23 2024
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2112
Rush
Not as tedious as you would imagine going into a 20 minute prog rock epic. Production is great and doubtless good musicians but I don't think it comes together to something satisfyingly cohesive 3*
3
Sep 24 2024
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
As usual very well put together album from Marvin Gaye, it is all a bit in the same tempo a small bit of variety would have been a 5 but instead 4.5*
4
Sep 25 2024
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Harvest
Neil Young
Always found a man needs a maid to be a strange song but the rest here is excellent 5*
5
Sep 26 2024
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Guero
Beck
The germ of a good album here but falls flat too often, strange this in included given Beck's other superior albums included 3*
3
Sep 27 2024
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Take Me Apart
Kelela
One or two ideas stretched to its limit on a single album. It's almost impossible to distinguish one song from another. 2*
2
Sep 30 2024
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
Not expecting the mix of music this contained and the unexpected Irish influences. Full of ideas and well executed 4*
4
Oct 01 2024
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The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
The quintessential Bowie album feels wrong to give this anything but 5*
5
Oct 02 2024
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Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
Reminds me of local radio, they would play crap like this presumably it was cheaper than playing something well known. Or they had terrible taste. Anyway, early 80s easy listening, hateful stuff 1.5*
1
Oct 03 2024
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Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
Theres some great Neil Young albums out there but this isn't one of them, still a fine album but nothing amazing 3*
3
Oct 04 2024
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Poignant folk songs, expertly put together 4*
4
Oct 07 2024
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Marquee Moon
Television
Can never get into this 70s New York punk, but this album is probably the best example of that sound. If your into this its up there as one of the best otherwise 3.5*
3
Oct 08 2024
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
This album is why you sign up for a process like this. 4*
4
Oct 09 2024
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Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
Could see it having it's fans but is it really that remarkable? The slow r&b numbers at the end really feel tacked on should have been left off. 3*
3
Oct 10 2024
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D
White Denim
Psychedelic mix of rock and other influences, nice to hear someone try something a bit new. 3.5*
3
Oct 11 2024
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Snivilisation
Orbital
Orbital presents "2000's DVD menu background music : the soundtrack"
2
Oct 14 2024
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Certainly one of the best post punk albums, a genre I'm not keen on, but they make it work. Their is something of The Doors about this that I can't quite place why...4*
4
Oct 15 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
Somewhat disowned by Radiohead but this still stands up really, most indie band from the 90s couldn't even touch this 5*
5
Oct 16 2024
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Mott
Mott The Hoople
Fairly average glam rock heavily inspired by David Bowie, with one or two highlights. Would love to hear a compelling argument to why anyone would listen to this when you have Bowie. Great cover though! 3*
3
Oct 17 2024
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Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
Reasonable take on folk Americana but nothing remarkable, once again a bit strange it's included here 3.5*
3
Oct 18 2024
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Disintegration
The Cure
Ethereal emo 3.5*
3
Oct 21 2024
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Brothers
The Black Keys
Almost a modern classic just a few dud songs let it down, but still a great album 4.5*
4
Oct 22 2024
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
Very cleared following on from Ziggy stardust, does have a feeling of this was on that albums cutting room floor. Still some great songs although the jazzy interludes I could leave 3.5*
3
Oct 23 2024
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Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
Found this to be quiet boring, the droning vocals do not help. Hard to even consider one highlight. But not particularly offensive either though 2*
2
Oct 24 2024
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The Band
The Band
Preferred this to music from big pink but lacks something I can't quiet put my finger on 3.5*
4
Oct 25 2024
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
It's got an anger which maybe I don't appreciate, but this is an archetype for all the imitators that came later. Still one of the best 4.5*
5
Oct 28 2024
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Murmur
R.E.M.
Competent late 80s indie, may have been groundbreaking at the time but difficult to see now 3*
3
Oct 29 2024
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Violator
Depeche Mode
It's a struggle to produce music that is mostly electronic based and not sound dated particularly decades later, but Depeche Mode have avoided that and this still holds up really well. 4*
4
Oct 30 2024
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Wild Wood
Paul Weller
Competent and earnestly preformed but few standout tracks. Reminds of the typical pub bore who contends that such and such modern music isn't "real" music and then go on to claim this album as an example of the "real" music in their mind. Makes for a tedious discussion no one bothers to argue and they go on believing themselves correct forever. 3.5*
3
Oct 31 2024
View Album
Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
I suppose if you are into post punk you might like this but found it a bit meandering, ok in parts 2.5*
2
Nov 01 2024
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NEU! 75
Neu!
There is undoubtedly something new here for the time. Proto post punk but it gones on and on. Some judicious editing could have really made this something special, but now dated I feel. 2.5*
2
Nov 04 2024
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
I think negative reviews of these are always unfair, calling it "lager" rock. How many bands could write an album of songs which a large number of still resonate with people decades later? There is a certain element of snobbery about it. 5*
5
Nov 05 2024
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
The acoustic/ electric spilt works out well I feel. One of two songs are a bit wordy but if are someone who appreciates Neil Young's singular singing style this is a decent album by any means 4*
4
Nov 06 2024
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Raw Power
The Stooges
A lot more compelling than their debut, production is better here but still not perfect by any means, maybe people still weren't sure how to produce this type of music. Still, really good. 4*
4
Nov 07 2024
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The Last Broadcast
Doves
Now I know where various sitcoms and ads during the 2000 got their music from! Fairly lack lustre stuff, another one for the why is this on this list pile 2.5*
3
Nov 08 2024
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Synchronicity
The Police
Painful, I just can't believe people like this, I do not get it or why in fact Sting is as famous as he is, great PR maybe? 2*
2
Nov 11 2024
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The World is a Ghetto
War
I was interested to here this but this is some really songs where they are trying to create more a vibe than a song. If you are big into funk you might get something out of this, but honestly I wasn't keen 2.5*
2
Nov 12 2024
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The Next Day
David Bowie
Not that it matters but a fairly woeful idea for a cover in my opinion. In any case, let's be real, if this wasn't David Bowie this wouldn't be on this list. Enjoyable in parts both not something I would return to 3*
3
Nov 13 2024
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Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
To be honest I find the parts that don't have a lot of guitar to be the highlights. They are few and far between though. I think this process really has given me a distaste for 60-70s straight blues rock. All fairly boring really isnt it? Anyway, still well preformed and maybe one of the better albums worth of music like this. 3.5*
3
Nov 14 2024
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
It's obvious in parts this has been overdubbed with studio recordings, debatable this is a "live" album. Still some great versions of thin Lizzy's hits here, some surpassing the album version. 4*
4
Nov 15 2024
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Some part of me thinks this would have been better if they didn't overlay the effects and just played the songs straight. Still some great songs and do you realise is definitely top ten songs of that decade. 3.5*
4
Nov 18 2024
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Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
Forgotten what a classic this album, back in our minds is probably the only sort of dud here rest are all classics 4.5*
5
Nov 19 2024
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
Can hear the cleat improvement over the previous album, some of the best 60-70s folk music you are going to hear 5*
5
Nov 20 2024
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Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
One of those albums where I could appreciate someone loving it, but 20min free jazz sessions are hard to love for the average person 3*
3
Nov 21 2024
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En-Tact
The Shamen
Quite a slog to get through, the music is a bit of it's time and maybe could be appreciated for it's time and within context but the lyrics...the worst sort of faux spiritual dog shit you could ever hear. Utterly ruins any possibility of this being decent 1.5*
2
Nov 22 2024
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On The Beach
Neil Young
Another reasonably decent Neil Young album but nothing exciting 3.5*
3
Nov 25 2024
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Who's Next
The Who
Probably the best who album out there, but never could get into the who in general. Songs getting in tune are so lazy lyrically, a song about tuning your guitar. Amazing... In any case still some great songs here 4*
4
Nov 26 2024
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
A bit on the long side, don't know if the crowd interaction is necessary and could have a bit tighter. But still great example to know what it was like to be there live 4*
4
Nov 27 2024
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All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
Can see why this is included, it's just fine in my mind though, nothing amazing nothing terrible 3*
3
Nov 28 2024
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Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
Typical sort of rock bar tunes. Fun and loud, nothing groundbreaking but an enjoyable listen 3.5*
3
Nov 29 2024
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Queen II
Queen
It's mostly fine, they hadn't really found their distinct sound by this stage, I would expect this would not be included if it wasn't Queen 3*
3
Dec 02 2024
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Revolver
Beatles
Listened to this so much on cd I wore it out. Fantastic album that shows all the elements of the Beatles sound that would go on to make them one of the greats. Certainly in the mix for the Beatles best album 5*
5
Dec 03 2024
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
Ethereal sessions of jazz. The guitar work adds an interesting dimension to it. 4.5*
4
Dec 04 2024
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Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
Bang average 60s pop/ garage rock, stepping stone is a highlight rest is fairly forgettable 3*
3
Dec 05 2024
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Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
There is something about this that is so obnoxious. Like they have written all the elements of what makes "rock" music and tried to stick them all in regardless of how good it sounds. As of it was a recipe for success. Which it ironically was. Their continuing appeal remains baffling. 2*
2
Dec 06 2024
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...And Justice For All
Metallica
What could have been another decent/great album by Metallica let down by a terrible mix and songs that stay too long. One is still an amazing song all things considered 3.5*
3
Dec 09 2024
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Every electric gone acoustic attempt after this album was trying to emulate this effortless performance, and no one has come near. Easy 5*
5
Dec 10 2024
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
Has some absolute classics here but I think this is a bit more spotty then people seem to admit. If it it was trimmed to one album it would have been amazing, a common problem of the double album. 4*
4
Dec 11 2024
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Kala
M.I.A.
A mash up of various sounds and styles in some sort of mad scientist approach to music. But has as many hits as misses but it all comes together perfectly on paper planes. Still 3* overall
3
Dec 12 2024
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
Enjoyable but common with albums around this time I think the synths date it a little 3.5*
3
Dec 13 2024
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The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
Enjoyable, but could have done with a bit more variety. 3.5*
4
Dec 16 2024
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
Enjoyable enough but nothing too exciting here, has made me think I don't like the use of organs in jazz 3.5*
3
Dec 17 2024
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Take away the singles and it doesn't leave a lot of decent tracks on this album, goes to show that Rolling Stones were one of the best singles band and putting together a cohesive album was always a struggle 3.5*
3
Dec 18 2024
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Station To Station
David Bowie
Short and sweet, no song here that you could say was bad, definitely one of bowies best albums 4.5*
4
Dec 19 2024
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Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
Has the sound of artists who could create something conventional but instead opt to to do their own thing entirely. Worked for Picasso has not worked here. 1.5*
1
Dec 20 2024
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Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
Better than I remember, but I feel the lyrics are just a long line of immature statements about the UK's scared cows, I never thought there was ever much thought behind it, just trying to be provocative . 3.5*
3
Dec 23 2024
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
Some great songs here, but some meandering parts where I think they indulged Jim Morrison a bit too much. All the same one of their best albums 4.5*
4
Dec 24 2024
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
Almost perfect album, shame no one ever got to hear the next one 5*
5
Dec 25 2024
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With The Beatles
Beatles
Even if the Beatles went on to do very little I think this would still fairly popular, but a couple of weak points 3.5*
3
Dec 26 2024
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
The Christmas album is usually the last refuge of the has been heritage act but this is a genuine effort to make something really good. Will definitely stick it on next Christmas. 4*
4
Dec 27 2024
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In Utero
Nirvana
Some great songs, some mediocre songs. I think the idea of departing from Nevermind was a good idea but just didn't quite come together right. Still a decent album 3.5*
4
Dec 30 2024
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
An easy 5*, a classic from start to finish
5
Dec 31 2024
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Odelay
Beck
There's some decent songs here but it's clear his approach needed more work 2.5*
3
Jan 01 2025
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Rapture
Anita Baker
No doubt she is a good singer but this is so dull 2*
2
Jan 02 2025
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Sometimes I think some albums are critically acclaimed because they remind the reviewer of a certain time in their life rather then it being exceptional. This album I feel is a case in point. Perfectly fine, enjoyable in parts but was not crazy about it 3.5*
3
Jan 03 2025
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Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
I like the idea of this, soundtrack to an imaginary film, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. Interludes of reasonable good music with some fairly manic parts. 1.5*
2
Jan 06 2025
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Bad
Michael Jackson
Whatever you can say about about Michael Jackson the person it's hard to claim this is a bad album. Suffered from having to follow up Thriller but still a great album
4
Jan 07 2025
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
They have their distinct sound and it's well crafted but it lacks a certain heart 3.5*
3
Jan 08 2025
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
Given the time this was made it is an amazing accomplishment, goes to show electronic music was as legitimate as any other style of music 4*
4
Jan 09 2025
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Who Killed...... The Zutons?
The Zutons
A album I think that would have benefitted fromsome re-writes and editing, the crumb of a great album was here 3.5*
3
Jan 10 2025
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Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
Was original at the time as a concept album but I think in the fullness of time this is a bit forgettable. The production is impeccable though, amazing clarity for an album from the 60s. 3*
3
Jan 13 2025
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
Feels wrong to give anything less than a 5*
5
Jan 14 2025
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
Feels like I'm listening to one long song, it's a fine song but there is very little going on here. Fine background music I suppose. 2.5*
2
Jan 15 2025
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
Could really have done with trimming the fat on this, far too long with dreamy intersections. The songs proper though contain some defining songs of the britpop era. Seems to be a snobbish about this sound years later but I still think it holds up. 4*
4
Jan 16 2025
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Truly amazing the amount of hits this band kicked out in such a short space of time. Could be a greatest hits album 5*
5
Jan 17 2025
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Music
Madonna
Mixed bag of songs, poor in parts. I always thought Madonna was incredibly derivative, she just does styles of music that is popular at the time and hopes for the best. The bjork style "Paradise" is a particular low light, however he American pie cover is a war crime. 2.5*
2
Jan 20 2025
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
I do like the sort of jazz Bill Evans produces but I found this hard to get into, I didn't find anything particularly compelling about it, not to say it's not bad. Just nothing mind blowing 3*
3
Jan 21 2025
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Asides from Son of a preacher man and windmills of your mind it's fairly standard blue eyed soul, little boring in parts but she does have a great voice. 3*
3
Jan 22 2025
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Hysteria
Def Leppard
Enjoyable enough, unfortunately for Def Leppard being fun will catch you a lot of hate from music purists 3*
3
Jan 23 2025
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Reminds me of "What's going on?" The album needs to be heard all together to enjoy it at its best. Excellently preformed and great to hear people still successfully trying something new 4*
4
Jan 24 2025
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Garbage
Garbage
Very much the 90s album, portishead vocals mixed with Nirvana riffs. Decent 3.5*
3
Jan 27 2025
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Best enjoyed as one continuous listen rather than listening to each song individually. Comes together brilliantly, and wish you were here has to be one of the best songs of the 70s
5
Jan 28 2025
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
A bit twee all these years later, but there is no denying the quality of Garfunkel's voice 4.5*
4
Jan 29 2025
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Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
The fuse around Elvis Costello is a bit baffling to me, what is so special about this? 2.5*
2
Jan 30 2025
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Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
Barely recognisable as the beach boys, fine for the most part, an interesting curio for beach boy fans more than anything I would say 3*
3
Jan 31 2025
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Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Hard to distinguish one song from another, a reasonably decent idea for a song stretched across an entire album
2
Feb 03 2025
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
Amazing amount of hits here in just one album, some absolute classics here as well 4.5*
5
Feb 04 2025
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Perfectly enjoyable but not something I'd be racing back to hear again 3*
3
Feb 05 2025
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Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized
Started off ok but just drones on and on, I don't see what is remotely compelling about this 1.5*
2
Feb 06 2025
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Bossanova
Pixies
Did it all start to go downhill here for the pixies? Nothing on the previous albums 2.5*
2
Feb 07 2025
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Among The Living
Anthrax
Blown away this band is spoken of in the same breath as Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth. So average and they whining vocals are tough to listen to 2*
2
Feb 10 2025
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
Certainly can here the influence on later singer songwriters but there was nothing overly compelling about this 3*
3
Feb 11 2025
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Like a lot of double albums could do with being trimmed a bit but still some absolute classics here 4.5*
4
Feb 12 2025
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Casanova
The Divine Comedy
Boring and pretentious, hard to see anything redeemable about this, makes me wonder why Neil Hannon is as well known in the UK and Ireland as is he 1.5*
1
Feb 13 2025
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Damaged
Black Flag
Completely understandable why this included but not one for me 2*
2
Feb 14 2025
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Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
Singer/songwriter performs music in old fashioned style for a new audience seems to be a huge industry in the UK. So many performers fit that definition. Anyway fairly inoffensive, would be nice to throw on in the background. But nothing mind blowing 3.5*
3
Feb 17 2025
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Ten
Pearl Jam
The odd low light but doesn't stop it being a classic of the grunge era 5*
5
Feb 18 2025
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
I see a lot of what I presume is Americans bemoan the amount of dull British bands on here. Although there may be a hint of truth to their complaints, let Steely Dan show the US is not immune to producing inexplicably popular dullards like Steely Dan. 2*
2
Feb 19 2025
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
Not what I was expecting but still a decent listen. Unfinished symphony is an absolute classic 3.5*
3
Feb 20 2025
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Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
Is there any contractually or financially obligated albums out there that are really good? Marvin Gaye is one of the best but this was subpar, only his amazing vocals are saving this. 3*
3
Feb 21 2025
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Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
I get the sneaking suspicion they really thought they were doing something special here. Neil Hannon really has the touch of merde 1.5*
2
Feb 24 2025
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The White Album
Beatles
Certainly the Beatles strangest album yet it at the same time encapsulated everything they were about. Not my favourite Beatles album but still a classic 5*
5
Feb 25 2025
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Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen is one singer I could never get into. I can't think of anything specifically bad about it, just sort of washes over you. But I wouldn't begrudge his inclusion here 3.5*
3
Feb 26 2025
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Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
I remember liking this when it came out, I think the breathy vocals on pop song were not as overly common place. An interesting departure from their usual style, enjoyable all the same 4*
4
Feb 27 2025
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Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
A very 90s album mix of Bjork and Kate bush, it's enjoyable enough but I'd think I would rather the original inspiring artists instead
3
Feb 28 2025
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Sex Packets
Digital Underground
Fun and creative but nothing mind blowing 3.5*
3
Mar 03 2025
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Transformer
Lou Reed
Why is this considered good? Honestly do not get it. Perfect day is a quality song but the rest is diminishing returns. The tail end is woeful. 2.5*
2
Mar 04 2025
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Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Solid electric blues album from one of the greats 4.5*
4
Mar 05 2025
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Country Life
Roxy Music
I would be amazed to learn that Nick caves singing style was not heavily influenced by Brian Ferry. The album, I find is meandering, never really landing anywhere interesting for me 2.5*
2
Mar 06 2025
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L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
Pink Floyd meets Nine Inch Nails and tom waits is singing in french. Sounds like nightmares 2*
2
Mar 07 2025
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Achtung Baby
U2
Remove "One" and "Even better than the real thing" this starts to become a fairly weak album. I never noticed how overwrought U2's lyrics were until hearing this. Just about 3*
3
Mar 10 2025
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Solid performances and enjoyed it the whole way through 4*
4
Mar 11 2025
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
Public Enemy's albums still have all the intensity they had at release, must have been quite the revelation then. Undeniably influential 4*
4
Mar 13 2025
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Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
I feel like a could go into a music shop, pick a country album completely at random and get one of comparable quality. Poor production and almost sounds like parody 1.5*
2
Mar 14 2025
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
A real modern classic, everything is free really needs to be better know 5*
5
Mar 17 2025
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Parklife
Blur
If you wanted to quickly summarise English rock music would be easiest just to listen to this. Still a quality album that holds up well. 4*
4
Mar 18 2025
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
Think I still prefer the other jimi Hendrix experience releases, but still it's Hendrix the guitar playing is still phenomenal. One Rainy Wish and Little miss lover are highlights aside from the obvious hits 4*
4
Mar 19 2025
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Iron Maidens continued appeal continues to allude me. But not the most horrible thing I've heard. 2.5*
3
Mar 20 2025
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La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
Bland Cafe music, not bad but why would anyone bother is beyond me 2*
2
Mar 21 2025
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Tical
Method Man
Some highlights but feel like it rehashed enter the 36 chambers far too much 3.5*
3
Mar 24 2025
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
Suffers from the same problem most double albums have, would have been far better with some serious editing 3.5*
3
Mar 25 2025
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Grace
Jeff Buckley
An undeniable classic 5*
5
Mar 26 2025
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One World
John Martyn
Utterly forgettable mellow songs. No idea what anyone sees in this 2*
2
Mar 27 2025
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A Seat at the Table
Solange
It's put together fine but i sort of fail to see what is particularly special about this 3*
3
Apr 01 2025
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Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Always find it hard to get into this, feel like I'm on the cusp of "getting it". 4*
4
Apr 02 2025
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
The Rollings Stones have very few albums I could listen to the whole way through but this is one of them. 4.5*
5